Rival for president says Blair has split Europe

In a direct challenge to the British prospect, Luxembourg's veteran premier Jean-Claude Juncker criticised his record and implied he was a divisive and domineering figure.

"I can't see the areas where the UK has proved to be a real European inspiration during the last 10 years, apart from progress on defence," said Mr Juncker dismissively.

He is the first major EU figure to make clear he wants to beat Mr Blair to the post, which is expected to pay £250,000 and give its holder an instant place in European history books.

"If the call went out to me, I wouldn't have a reason to refuse to listen," he told Le Monde. Although his nation is the EU's second smallest state, he added defiantly: "I am not a dwarf."

Mr Blair was being urged to out himself as a candidate for the job, created when the Lisbon Treaty is finally ratified in coming weeks. Friends say he wants the job, but wants to see first if he has enough support and to be sure it will come with enough real power and influence.

Mr Juncker appeared to refer to divisions caused when Mr Blair championed George Bush's invasion of Iraq, saying Europe should be represented "by someone whose main aim is to serve, to unite it around honest compromise".

David Cameron offered to work with a president Blair. The Tory leader lampooned the former premier as a would be "Il Presidente" figure and mocked his candidacy as that of an "all singing, all dancing, all acting" president.

But he added, significantly: "Clearly we have to work with what we inherit and what we have got."

Downing Street denied ordering diplomats to lobby for Mr Blair although it was confirmed that officials were assessing the mood around Europe.

THE CANDIDATES

Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg
Age: 54
Claim to fame: Europe's longestserving government head — since 1995.
On the other hand: Leads population of half a million... less than Bradford.
Prospects: Lowest common denominator, unlikely to inspire but appeals to EU leaders who do not want an overmighty president.

Tony Blair, Special envoy to the Middle East
Age: 56
Claim to fame: Brilliantly effective politician, whether winning elections or building the Iraq War coalition.
On the other hand: A polarising figure, whose enthusiasm for the free market and US interests makes him distrusted.
Prospects: Blair's oratory and diplomacy outclasses any current EU leader.